Psalm 22:19-28 (NRSV)
Read Psalm 22:19-28 on biblegateway.com
Verse 19But you, O Lord, do not be far away! O my help, come quickly to my aid!
Verse 20Deliver my soul from the sword, my life from the power of the dog!
Verse 21Save me from the mouth of the lion! From the horns of the wild oxen you have rescued me.
Verse 22I will tell of your name to my brothers and sisters; in the midst of the congregation I will praise you:
Verse 23You who fear the Lord, praise him! All you offspring of Jacob, glorify him; stand in awe of him, all you offspring of Israel!
Verse 24For he did not despise or abhor the affliction of the afflicted; he did not hide his face from me, but heard when I cried to him.
Verse 25From you comes my praise in the great congregation; my vows I will pay before those who fear him.
Verse 26The poor shall eat and be satisfied; those who seek him shall praise the Lord. May your hearts live forever!
Verse 27All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the Lord; and all the families of the nations shall worship before him.
Verse 28For dominion belongs to the Lord, and he rules over the nations.
Devotion
The Psalmist would be the first to tell you that there is nothing better than praising God. Whether you find yourself in a congregation in the city or in a mountain cathedral of pine and sky, a song of praise is right for any setting. Even in times of deepest trial, the Psalmist argues, we can sing praise because we trust that God will hear our cries and come to our aid. Praise is best in community because we remind each other of God’s goodness and mercy. Most importantly, we sing praise because we serve the King who loves us and who rules over all nations.
Prayer
Gracious God, source of our strength, give us hearts of praise that sing only for you. Make our lives a testimony of your kingdom and your work in the world. Open our eyes to the oppressed and hungry and give us the courage to share your blessings and sing your praises with them. For Christ’s sake, Amen.